But in July 2016 one of those cheques to their care home bounced and from then on the care home was not receiving any money at all, the court heard.

East Sussex County Council and Sussex Police launched investigations into what was happening, and in September 2016 the powers of attorney of Peter Taylor’s sons were revoked. Control of his bank account was given over to a solicitor.

Mr Hall told the jury: “Virtually all the money had gone.

“The prosecution allege that the two brothers had simply pocketed the money over the time they had power over his affairs.”

He said they were both interviewed by police about the allegations they had ‘milked’ their father’s bank account.

Both brothers told detectives that they were entitled to the money, that it was their inheritance. Mr Hall pointed out to the jury that this was despite their father still being alive.

Ivor Taylor told police that he believed he was doing at the time nothing that was wrong or illegal, the court heard, but has since acknowledged it may not have been the right thing to do.

Jonathan Taylor spend £7,000 on a ‘quite expensive’ car, bought a new roof for his house and paid off a bank loan with the money, the court heard.

According to police, the exact amounts the brothers are accused of stealing from their father are:

Ivor Taylor: £55,680.65

Jonathan Taylor: £52,396.66.

The trial continues.

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